By Susan Rose, PRN Transition Focus Center Coordiantor

What is required to graduate and receive a high school diploma in Texas?
Curriculum and graduation rules and requirements are contained and described in §74.11 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), otherwise known as the Commissioner Rules.  While there are additional graduation rules at TAC §89.1070 which are specific to students receiving special education services as well as provisions that address the authority and responsibility of the student’s Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee to address any needed curriculum modifications or substitutions, the  mandated curriculum and credit requirements for graduation are the same for ALL students.  To graduate and receive a high school diploma in Texas, all students, including students with disabilities receiving special education services, must complete the curriculum and credit requirements for one of three graduation programs, as well as participate in the state exit-level assessment (TAKS).

What are the three graduation programs in Texas?  

1. Minimum - at least 22 credits in a state approved curriculum, plus any local district curriculum/credit requirements (TAC §74.11)  
   
   
2. Recommended - at least 26 credits in state approved curriculum (no substitutions allowed), plus any local district requirements (TAC §74.12)
   
   
3. Distinguished - at least 26 and one-half credits in state approved curriculum (no substitutions allowed), plus any local district requirements (TAC §74.13) 

The State expects all students to graduate under the recommended or distinguished programs unless a campus team that includes the parents agrees that the minimum program is more appropriate.  Students receiving special education may graduate under the minimum, recommended or distinguished programs. The minimum graduation program is the only program that allows for curriculum modifications and/or substitutions, when appropriate, for students receiving special education. A student in special education may graduate under the recommended or distinguished programs if they complete the same requirements as students in general education.  Students in special education may have additional coursework on top of the general education requirements (i.e., resource class to build skills in order to master the general curriculum). However, no curriculum modifications or substitutions are allowed for the recommended or distinguished graduation programs.  Accommodations (i.e., extra time, shortened assignments), not to be confused with modifications (changing or substituting curriculum content), do not impact a student’s graduation status or options.

For the full text and details of the curriculum and graduation requirements in Texas, visit www.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter074/ch074b.html 

For the full text and details of special education graduation requirements, visit:  www.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter089/ch089aa.html#89.1070

For additional State guidance on graduation for special education, visit:  www.tea.state.tx.us/special.ed/guidance/graduation.html

For new House Bill 3 graduation requirements beginning 2009-2010, visit
www.tea.state.tx.us/taa/comm062509.html

Do students receiving special education receive the same type of diploma?
Yes.  All graduates of each high school are awarded the same type of diploma. The academic achievement record (AAR) or transcript, not the diploma, records a student’s accomplishments, achievements, and courses completed and displays appropriate graduation seals.  Using “special explanation” codes described in the State’s Minimum Standards of Academic Achievement Handbook, the AAR also documents any special circumstances related to coursework, including whether a course curriculum was modified or substituted.

What is a student’s Academic Achievement Record (AAR)?
The Academic Achievement Record (AAR) is the official and permanent record, or transcript, of a student's academic performance during high school. Entries on this official state document of actual courses taken, grades earned, credit awarded, and codes denoting special explanations must be consistent with teachers’ records and the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), when applicable.  The words “academic achievement record” and “transcript” are interchangeable.  To learn more about the AAR, visit:  www.tea.state.tx.us/curriculum/aarmenu.html

Can curriculum and/or credit requirements be waived for students with disabilities?
No!  Students with disabilities receiving special education must meet the same curriculum and credit requirements as their general education peers.  When a state or locally required course is not appropriate to meet the educational needs of a student with a disability, the student’s ARD committee must determine the need for curriculum modifications or substitutions and document their decisions in the student’s IEP.  These curriculum modifications/substitutions must also be documented on the AAR.  Neither courses nor credits can be waived. 

When do students receive their diplomas?
Students must earn required credits for graduation by the end of the 12th grade.  A student may graduate and receive a diploma when they have taken all required courses, earned all required credits, and participated in the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS).  Some students receiving special education may stay in school and continue to receive special education services up to age 22.  When a student will remain beyond their 4th year in high school, they may choose to participate in a graduation ceremony with their peers they entered high school with, or wait until they have completed their IEP and graduation program requirements.  A student may participate in only one graduation ceremony.  Since graduation with a diploma terminates a student’s eligibility for special education services, a returning student who chooses to participate in the graduation ceremony with their peers may receive a certificate of attendance instead of a diploma and maintain eligibility.  They will receive their diploma upon completion of their IEP and graduation program requirements.